Green Coffee: Taste, Benefits, and How To Make
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted seeds from the coffee fruit. They come in two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Green coffee beans are the result of processing ripe coffee cherries. This involves harvesting, removing outer layers, and drying. Green coffee has a grassy, herbal, slightly bitter taste. It smells earthy, like fresh-cut grass or raw legumes, and lacks the roasted scent of traditional coffee. A 2014 study suggests green coffee may lower blood pressure, improve arterial elasticity, lower BMI and abdominal fat, and regulate cortisol levels. Green coffee has less caffeine than roasted coffee. An 8-ounce cup has 20-50 mg, compared to 95-100 mg in roasted coffee. Green coffee can be made by boiling and simmering soaked whole beans in a saucepan. Avoid coffee machines or grinders, as green coffee beans are too hard.
What is Green Coffee?
Green coffee refers to unroasted or semi-roasted coffee beans from the Coffea fruit. These raw seeds of coffee cherries are processed, and dried but not yet roasted. These are simply called green coffee beans. The main two types of green coffee are Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Coffee beans are green after harvesting and processing, but roasting turns them brown. They are lighter, harder, and difficult to grind compared to roasted coffee.
Green coffee beans are the final product of coffee processing. They are roasted to develop flavor and aroma. Green coffee beans are typically exported and graded based on size and quality before reaching roasters. Unroasted coffee with a quality score of 80 or higher, and very few defects are classified as specialty green coffee beans. The green coffee drink made from unroasted beans is not the same as green matcha or green tea. Matcha is a powder made from green tea leaves, while green tea is made from unoxidized tea leaves.
Green coffee comes in multiple forms, differing in preparation, usage, and convenience. Green coffee beans are whole and unroasted, requiring grinding before use. Ground green coffee offers ease of use as it is pre-ground. Green coffee extract, a concentrated supplement derived from unroasted beans, is available in drops, capsules, or powder. Drops and powder can be mixed with water or other beverages, while capsules are swallowed.
What Does Green Coffee Look Like?
Green coffee beans are small and oval-shaped with a pale green color, typically ranging from gray-green to light olive. They are generally smooth with some wrinkles and uneven lines, or creases, down the center. Unlike roasted beans that are brittle and develop an oily surface, green coffee beans are firm to the touch, with a dry, slightly rough texture and a matte finish. The unroasted beans are mostly uniform in size, though some may be rounder or flatter than others.
When brewed, green coffee drink looks like a translucent, pale yellow-green liquid. It has no visible foam, crema, or oily surface. Green brewed coffee has a clear, watery appearance with a light, thin body, unlike the robust texture of roasted coffee. Green coffee drink leaves a faint greenish hue in the cup, unlike the deep stains of traditional dark brews.
How is Green Coffee Made?
Green coffee beans are made by processing ripe coffee cherries to remove the outer layers and extract the inner bean. The process includes harvesting ripe cherries, removing the skin, pulp, and parchment layer, and drying the beans. Coffee cherries are harvested using two methods: strip picking, which removes all cherries at once, and selective picking, which harvests only ripe cherries.
After harvesting, beans are processed to remove the mucilage, a sticky substance around the bean, using water or mechanical methods. The beans are dried by sun-drying or mechanical dryers, then hulled to remove the remaining outer layers, producing green coffee beans. Newly planted coffee trees take 3 to 4 years to produce cherries, and each cherry takes 215 to 240 days to mature from flower to harvest.
This table outlines how is green coffee made, from planting and germination to harvesting, processing, drying, milling, and grading.
Process Step | Description |
---|---|
Planting | Seeds are planted at a depth of 1-1.5 cm, with 2.5 cm spacing in nursery beds and 3 m spacing in fields. |
Germination | Seeds germinate and grow for 12-18 months until they are ready for transplantation. |
Harvesting | After 3-4 years, coffee trees mature and produce ripe cherries, which are harvested. |
Processing | Beans are separated from cherries using dry, wet, honey, or semi-wet methods. |
Drying | Beans are dried for 7-15 days until they reach 11-12% moisture content. |
Milling | The outer layers of the dried coffee cherries are removed, leaving green coffee beans. |
Grading | Beans are sorted by size, weight, and defects to ensure quality and consistency. |
What are the Different Green Coffee Processing Methods?
Green coffee processing refers to removing the coffee bean from the ripe cherry after harvest. Green coffee processing methods include dry processing, wet processing, honey processing, and semi-wet processing.
- Dry Process (Natural Process): Dry process, or natural process, is the oldest coffee processing method. It requires minimal resources and involves drying coffee cherries in the sun until they reach 11% moisture. Workers rake and turn cherries throughout the day to prevent spoilage and cover them at night or during rain. Once dry, the outer layers are removed using hulling machines, mortar and pestle, or hand pulping.
- Wet Process (Washed Process): Wet processing, or washed processing, removes the coffee cherry fruit before drying the beans. In this method, coffee cherries pass through a pulping machine to remove the skin and pulp. The green beans then ferment in tanks to break down remaining mucilage. After fermentation, water channels sort the beans by weight: lighter beans float, and heavier beans sink. Rotating drums further sort them by size.
- Honey Process (Pulped Natural): Honey processing, common in Central America, involves pulping cherries and leaving sticky mucilage on the beans during drying. The name "honey" refers to this sticky layer, not actual honey. The mucilage amount determines the type: yellow honey (minimal), red honey (moderate), and black honey (most). This method produces sweeter coffee with fruity notes, influenced by the mucilage level.
- Semi-Wet Process (Wet Hulled Process): Semi-wet processing, or wet-hulled processing, is mainly used in Indonesia, especially Sumatra. After pulping, beans are partially dried with mucilage intact. The hull (endocarp) is removed while the beans are still wet or semi-wet. The beans are then dried to 12% moisture. This method produces coffee with earthy, deep flavors, low acidity, and a heavy body.
What Does Green Coffee Taste Like?
Green coffee has a grassy, herbal taste, with a slightly bitter, almost vegetal profile. It smells slightly earthy, like fresh-cut grass or raw legumes, and lacks the rich, roasted scent of traditional coffee. Its acidity is mild and crisp, leaning more towards green tea than the citrusy sweetness of roasted coffee.
Green coffee has a delicate, thin mouthfeel and lacks the bold richness, caramelized flavors, and aromas of dark-roasted beans. The flavor is milder and lighter than regular coffee, with a slight thickness, similar to matcha or herbal tea. The finish of green coffee leaves a gentle dryness, subdued bitterness, and a faint, lingering freshness, unlike the heavy, roasted depth of dark-roasted beans.
Can You Drink Green Coffee?
Yes, you can drink green coffee, and many people do for its potential health benefits from antioxidants and chlorogenic acid. From a safety standpoint, drinking green coffee in moderation by healthy adults is generally considered acceptable. However, green coffee contains caffeine, which can affect sleep and interact with medications. Consult a physician, especially if pregnant, nursing, managing a medical condition, or unsure about timing, such as drinking on an empty stomach or before bed.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Green Coffee?
A 2014 pilot crossover study from Queen Margaret University suggests that drinking green coffee may offer several benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving arterial elasticity, lowering BMI and abdominal fat, and regulating cortisol levels.
- Green Coffee and Blood Pressure: Drinking green coffee may help lower blood pressure. A 2014 pilot crossover study in healthy adults found that drinking 4 cups of green coffee per day reduced systolic blood pressure by about 2.65 mmHg and diastolic by 3.10 mmHg after two weeks, while also improving arterial elasticity.
- Green Coffee and Body Composition: Green coffee consumption may improve body composition. In the same 2014 pilot study, participants reduced BMI and abdominal fat significantly without changing diet or activity, suggesting coffee caused the effect.
- Green Coffee and Cortisol Regulation: Drinking green coffee may help lower urinary free cortisol levels by influencing the activity of the 11β-HSD1 enzyme, as seen in a 2014 pilot crossover study. This hormonal adjustment could play a role in easing stress-related metabolic effects, potentially supporting better long-term health outcomes.
What are the Side Effects of Drinking Green Coffee Daily?
Drinking green coffee daily may cause some side effects, primarily due to its caffeine content. Excess caffeine consumption can cause jitters, anxiety, and sleep trouble. Drinking more than four or five cups of green coffee a day can cause these effects in most people.
Aside from caffeine-related effects, green coffee may also cause digestive issues like heartburn or upset stomach in some people. In a 2014 study in Edinburgh, researchers explored how green coffee and black coffee affect heart health. One person in the study felt dizzy and nauseous after drinking green coffee because their blood pressure dropped suddenly. Another person experienced a higher libido. No other adverse effects occurred during or after the interventions.
How Much Caffeine is in Green Coffee?
An 8-ounce (237 ml) cup of green coffee contains about 20-50 mg of caffeine, compared to about 95-100 mg in one cup of regular roasted coffee. That's because unroasted green coffee beans release less caffeine when brewed.
Green coffee beans contain between 1.52% to 1.67% caffeine, which translates to approximately 1.52 to 1.67 mg of caffeine per 100 mg of beans, according to a 2017 study in Chemistry Central Journal. The amount of caffeine in green coffee beans varies based on the type of bean. A single green arabica coffee bean contains 1.9 mg of caffeine, while a green robusta bean contains 2.9 mg.
Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Have Caffeine?
Yes, green coffee bean extract contains caffeine, but in low amounts. The caffeine amount varies by coffee bean type and extraction process but is generally lower than roasted coffee. For example, green coffee extarct from Perfect Supplements has very low caffeine, less than 2% caffeine, while one gram of Green Coffee Bean Extract from Z Natural Foods contains 40 mg of caffeine, equivalent to about half a cup of coffee.
How to Make Green Coffee at Home?
To make green coffee at home, use a saucepan or pot to gently boil and simmer the soaked whole beans. Avoid using coffee machines or grinders designed for ground coffee, as green coffee beans are too hard and can damage them. The following guide shows you how to make green coffee at home.
- Weigh 18g of green coffee beans per 300 ml of water.
- Soak the beans overnight.
- Boil the mixture at 198°F (92°C).
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and remove the beans.
- Serve and enjoy the green coffee.
If you have pre-ground green coffee, you can use a simpler method. Steep the grounds in a French press or a similar brewer with hot water for about 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. A medium-fine grind works best.
What are the Best Beans to Make Green Coffee?
The best beans to make green coffee are unroasted Arabica beans. Arabica beans contain more chlorogenic acids, the beneficial compounds linked to green coffee's health benefits. They also offer a smoother, milder taste compared to Robusta beans, which tend to be more bitter. Select high-quality, fresh green beans for optimal flavor and health benefits. Single-origin green coffee beans like Ethiopian, Indonesian, or Colombian provide distinct taste profiles, enhancing the overall experience of green coffee.
Where to Buy the Best Green Coffee?
The best place to buy green coffee beans are specialty coffee roasters, online stores like Amazon, or websites such as Sweet Maria's and Coffee Bean Corral. When buying green coffee beans, consider the origin, processing method, and harvest date to ensure freshness and quality. While Colipse doesn't sell green roast coffee beans specifically, we offer many specialty-grade roasted coffee for sale online, roasted fresh and shipped directly to you.
What is the Price for Green Coffee?
The price of green coffee beans varies based on origin, quality, and market conditions. In the United States, consumers typically pay between $6 and $12 per pound for green coffee beans. However, specialty-grade Arabica beans from Ethiopia can cost significantly more, while commodity Robusta beans from Vietnam are at the lower end of the price range. Wholesale green coffee prices are typically lower, averaging $6.88 per kilogram ($0.20 per ounce) as of December 2024. Colipse does not sell green coffee beans.
Is Green Coffee Cheaper than Roasted Coffee?
Yes, green coffee is generally cheaper than roasted coffee due to lower processing costs. Since green coffee beans do not undergo roasting, they require less labor and equipment, reducing overall expenses. Prices vary depending on origin, quality, and demand.
What is the Difference between Green Coffee and Roasted Coffee?
The main difference between green coffee and roasted coffee is whether and how the beans are heated, which changes their appearance, aroma, and taste. Green coffee beans are unroasted, retaining a pale greenish hue. They have a mild, grassy scent and a subtle, vegetal flavor that lacks the recognizable coffee notes.
In contrast, roasted coffee undergoes heating at higher temperatures (typically 375°F to 450°F or more) for varying lengths of time. This produces beans in shades of brown, with a stronger, richer aroma. Roasting develops sweeter, more complex flavors that may include chocolate, nuts, caramel, or fruity undertones, becoming bolder and more pronounced as the roast level darkens.
The following table shows the differences between roasted coffee and green coffee.
Attribute | Green Coffee | Roasted Coffee |
---|---|---|
Color | Pale green to bluish | Light brown to nearly black |
Aroma | Grassy, vegetal | Complex: chocolate, nuts, fruits, spices |
Density | Higher density | Reduced density, more brittle |
Moisture Content | Higher moisture | Lower moisture |
Size and Weight | Smaller, heavier | Expanded, lighter |
Surface Appearance | Matte finish | May have surface oils |
Chemical Composition | Higher chlorogenic acids | Caramelized sugars and new compounds |
Flavor Potential | Lacks familiar coffee flavors | Sweetness, balanced acidity, complexity |
Acidity | Strong, unrefined | Varied, often smoother |
Caffeine Content | Lower caffeine level | Higher caffeine level |
Storage Stability | Stores well for months | Degrades faster, must use soon |
Processing/Handling | Processed to remove outer layers, sorted by grade | Roasted with careful profiles, cooled, packaged |
Intended Use | Raw material for roasting | Ready for brewing and consumption |
How Long Do Green Coffee Beans Last?
Green coffee remains fresh for 6 to 12 months. After a year, it is labeled “past crop” when the next harvest arrives, often developing undesirable flat aromas and even woody notes in your cup. Green coffee beans last longer than roasted ones since they haven't undergone the chemical changes of the roasting process. To maximize green coffee shelf life, use vacuum-sealed bags and store at cool temperatures (5-10°C). This preserves antioxidants like chlorogenic acid.
How to Store Green Coffee Beans?
To store green coffee beans, follow the steps below.
Can You Freeze Green Coffee Beans?
Yes, you can freeze green coffee beans to extend their shelf life. Use airtight, vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture and oxidation. Ensure beans are at room temperature before freezing and thawing to avoid condensation, which can make the beans go bad.